Tesla Owners Face Vandalism, Rate Hikes, and Regret Amid Rising Tensions

Looks like owning a Tesla these days comes with some unexpected baggage. According to a recent survey by Guardian Service, a surprising number of Tesla drivers are dealing with vandalism issues—and many more are worried they might be next.

The survey found that a whopping 44% of Tesla owners have experienced some form of vandalism to their rides. We're talking everything from key scratches to slashed tires. Not exactly the perks anyone signed up for when buying their shiny electric vehicle.

What's behind all this Tesla targeting? It seems some folks aren't thrilled with CEO Elon Musk's political stances. There's even been reports of anti-Nazi activists leaving flyers on Teslas, suggesting that owning one somehow supports fascism. Yikes.

Tesla owners aren't just sitting back and taking it, though. More than half have activated surveillance features like Tesla's Sentry mode. Smart move—about 25% of vandalism victims were actually able to catch the culprits on camera.

As if dealing with vandals wasn't enough, Tesla insurance rates are climbing faster than the industry average. Owners reported an average increase of $340 annually, compared to the typical $289 bump most drivers are seeing. More than half expect their premiums to jump again at their next renewal.

Despite these headaches, most Tesla owners still seem happy with their purchase. About 60% would recommend a Tesla to friends, and around 70% would consider buying another one themselves.

The younger crowd seems less committed, though. About one in five millennials regrets their Tesla purchase, while a surprising 37% of Gen Z owners are thinking about trading in their Tesla within a year—largely due to Musk's controversial behavior.

Who knew that buying an electric car would come with so much drama?